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Thank goodness for
the book, The Relaxation Response, by Herbert Benson
in 1975. To my way of thinking, this was a beginning in
changing thoughts that would begin to bring the body and
mind back to oneness. Now, “medicine” for the most part is
embracing the mind/body connection. Terms like Holistic
Health, Alternative Medicine, and Complementary Therapies
are commonplace. Studies now show that this previously
“weird” school of thought does indeed work.
This is how it works:
your thoughts and words are very powerful. They are powerful
enough to affect your emotional state. Especially strong
emotions are capable of creating a biochemical response.
Positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, and excitement
cause the brain to release chemicals that enhance your
immune and nervous systems.
There is protection,
repair and rejuvenation that take place. Negative emotions,
such as anger, grief, hatred, resentment and the inability
to forgive damage your immune system, and cause inflammation
in your joints, tissues and organs – including the brain
itself.
I’ve been working
with and writing about affirmations, positive mental
attitude and other alternative therapies for many years.
These tools and therapies do, indeed work.
Someone who
struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide commented
(rather angrily) that affirmations and positive thinking
were a bunch of “crap”. Depression is a very serious
illness, and can be very difficult to heal from.
She felt that I was
taking her illness lightly. No, saying an affirmation is not
going to heal overnight. The alternative tools are serious
modalities that do take some work and some action by the
user.
If you are interested
in using alternative and complementary therapies, I would
recommend you get help from someone who is skilled in their
use. On your own, begin with paying attention to the words
you say. Are your words and self-talk more positive or
negative?
Keep your speech
positive. Avoid talking about “your” illness; for example,
“My back is killing me!” Or, “My sinuses always act up”! I
always remind my patients that “What you say is what you
get.”
Use your imagination
to picture your body and your life as you DO want it.
Picture yourself in vivid detail being as active as you
would be if you did not have a particular ailment that
limits you. This works especially well if you do this before
bedtime when you are in a more relaxed state.
During your
waking time, use affirmations, which are positive
declarations of what you DO want. Say them in present tense
frequently throughout the day with excitement, as if it had
already occurred. For example: I am in remission! I am so
happy that I am able to bowl with my team. I love my healthy
body! Your body listens to everything you say, so say what
you DO want.
Dianne Hart Pettis, CFNP
Family Nurse Practitioner,
Author of Affirm Your Life Now
724-375-7519 |
